This ^^^.
I used my Dremel to adjust the blade width and add a bit of hollow grind to some cheap screwdrivers.
Working okay so far, until I get a set of proper hollow grind screwdrivers.
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Gunsmithing screwdrivers
- Thread starter TobJohn
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I used my Dremel to adjust the blade width and add a bit of hollow grind to some cheap screwdrivers.
Working okay so far, until I get a set of proper hollow grind screwdrivers.
Grace are my choice, but have some old snap-on's that I have ground to fit the tapered slots on the antique guns I work on
All my tools are made in the USA.
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Who sells the super thin blades for shotgun hammer screws?
Totally agree my grace and snap-on's are so old that it was before the Asian invasion
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To take out a screw that is loose or easy just about any screwdriver will do. It is when you have a screw that is tight that you need a real screwdriver, the hollow ground type. Wheeler, Brownells and others like them are all good. But would strongly recommend getting a set with a really great selection of bits. For the simple reason one of these sets are a onetime buy and sooner or later you will get a screw that is not budging without some real force. That is when the large selection pays off, cause the best fit and width will help tremendously in getting good results without damage. I use Wheeler.
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My gunsmith, who learned the old ways from his father, also a 'smith and collector, said that if he's working on a valuable rare piece, (say, a Peacemaker) he might start removing a screw by giving it an initial "tap", then letting it sit for a full 24 hrs. before working it again. I'm sure he's got a good selection of Screw Drivers, too! Patience pays off! That may sound real "zen", but if a screw's been in there for a century or more, slow is the way to go!
gunnerasch
32 Cal
as a professional transmission rebuilder for 45 years, i learned to only buy the best USA made tools. and in the gunsmith world to me grace in the best. i also have a set of Brownell's bits and drivers. they are very good but usually i pick up the grace,,,,,,,,,,
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The Chapman's have that neat little ratchet driver, I have found for really tight screws I use the ratchet and the handle and push down really hard on the handle while turning with the ratchet.
Pushing down keeps the bit in place and keeps it from slipping out of the slot while turning with the ratchet.
Pushing down keeps the bit in place and keeps it from slipping out of the slot while turning with the ratchet.
Me too, still have some Snap-On and Kleins from the early 70s. I have a keyhole saw handle from Radiator Specialty Company in 71.
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I like the Made in USA label!
gunnerasch
32 Cal
You WILL break tips, no matter who makes the tools, when you get burly with them. Thats a given. Some break easier than others. Chapman are in the Tough catagory. And Chapman makes replacements for all their tips. The "gunsmith kits" pretty much cover every size you are ever going to need. I think Ive got hmmm.. 4 kits.. the ones in the old steel flap top round corner boxes. Ill buy tips once a year.. I keep the busted ones so I can read off the numbers on each tip. When you have the gun locked into the drill press, the tip in the chuck and are pulling down on the feed lever and turning the belt by hand... you can indeed bust a tip. But Some fasteners have been rusted together for a century or more. Kroil, a few taps on the fastener.. a bit of judicious TIGHTENING of that locked screw and maybe a little heat.. nearly all will come loose. One of my drill presses has a long drive shaft that can be tapped on (brass hammer) while pullling down on the feed lever will generally break just about any screw loose.
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After reading some of the one star reviews about the Wheeler and Grace tips bending and breaking under low torque usage, I think I'll stick with my home modified screwdrivers. I have yet to have one of mine bend or break. Makes me wonder if they have changed their process, material, or both in the past few years.
Me too. The big set stays in the gun cave. The small set is in the range box.
I have an old set of Craftsman tools that are USA made. They were decent tools, not Snap On by any means, but decent. Several years ago, when many bolts and nuts were going metric, I bought a Craftsman Chinese made socket set. They were trash. TRASH!
I use the Chapman driver sets too. They have lots of different ones and besides having various sets you can buy them individually too. The ratchet is a handy item as well.
Fifty years ago I got a little Chapman set. 14 bits and that has covered all the work on my unmentionables and BP guns without ever rounding out the slot on any screw. Secret is to take the time to choose the proper bit each time.
